That result leaves Arsenal, who take on Tottenham next weekend before two Europa League last-32 ties against Ostersunds and the Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City, three points adrift of fifth-place Spurs before their north London rivals travel to Liverpool tomorrow.

A thumping win for Arsenal, who were simply irresistible in the first half and took full advantage of some truly abject defending.

A first career hat-trick for Ramsey, a debut goal for Aubameyang and three assists on his full debut for Mkhitaryan. Not too shabby.

Everton improved after the break, particularly with the introductions of Davies and Calvert-Lewin, although the substitution of Walcott was a bit of a head-scratcher. They have conceded 10 goals in their two league fixtures against the Gunners this season.

Any slim chance that Everton may have had of keeping this scoreline respectable goes out of the window.

Martina cuts out a pass from Monreal and Calvert-Lewin's attempts to keep the ball in play on the far side only benefit Mkhitaryan, who scoops up possession before providing a perfect pull-back that is swept in by Ramsey.

Arsenal tore Everton to shreds during that first half with some wonderful, incisive passing football and clinical finishing. A debut goal for Aubameyang, a brace from Ramsey and two assists already for Mkhitaryan, who has been superb.

The less said about the visitors' insipid, disjointed and passive performance the better. Their defending has been utterly shambolic to say the least.